new
jersey
commission on higher education Promoting Excellence for All |
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A BLUEPRINT FOR EXCELLENCE - STAGE 1 Abbreviated Overview
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Higher education has become increasingly important to the success and the quality of life of individuals, states, and the nation. New Jersey’s economic competitiveness and prosperity are directly related to the quality and capacity of its colleges and universities, which develop human potential and discover and apply knowledge through teaching, research, and service. Consistent with its statutory responsibility, the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, in collaboration with the Presidents’ Council, institutional board of trustee representatives, and other stakeholders, began facilitating the development of a long-range plan for higher education in April 2002. This plan includes a vision for higher education, seven principal state objectives, and initial action plans and performance measures. It also proposes an unprecedented new compact between the state and higher education, calling for a significant state investment and a measurable return on that investment by institutions. The plan calls for using the state’s additional investment in higher education to do the following:
Colleges and universities in New Jersey will need increased and predictable operating support and a major infusion of capital funds to help meet these growing expectations. Over 500 stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, legislative staff, community leaders, students, parents, trustees, faculty, alumni, college administrators, and others were involved in the planning process. Stakeholders served on issue teams, attended conferences, and provided feedback on the Stage 1 draft plan through public forums and written commentary. The Commission on Higher Education adopted Stage 1 of the plan in November 2003. The plan recognizes that New Jersey stands at a crossroads. A handful of states will separate themselves from the others by harnessing the intellectual power of their colleges and universities to propel their economies forward and to increase the quality of life for all residents. This plan seeks to firmly establish New Jersey among those special states. The long-range plan has been developed to achieve the following vision for the state:
PRINCIPAL STATE OBJECTIVES
The adoption of these principal objectives provided the foundation to propose initial action plans and identify key performance measures related to their implementation. Achievement of the objectives through the coordinated efforts of boards of trustees, presidents, the Commission on Higher Education, state leaders, and other stakeholders will make the vision for higher education a reality.
The blueprint for higher education through 2010 is already guiding efforts to create and sustain a system of colleges and universities that is among the best in the world. Preliminary steps were undertaken during the summer and early fall of 2003 to pave the way for initial implementation. In early 2004, a summary of specific responsibilities was provided to institutions and other entities to initiate their work. And the Commission on Higher Education has been fully engaged in Stage 1 implementation responsibilities and the development of Stage 2 since February. During Stage 2 of the planning process, performance measures will be further developed. To varying degrees, full achievement of performance measures will be influenced by levels of state operating aid and capital support, student tuition and fees, and external support. In the initial years, progress may be modest on some measures given the time necessary to achieve results. Specific recommendations regarding research universities and economic development will also be integrated into the long-range plan during Stage 2. The plan will then be reviewed annually and revised as needed based on progress and changes in circumstances. Stage 1 of the blueprint is available on the Commission’s website:
Periodic updates will also be posted on
the
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© New
Jersey Commission on Higher Education, 1994-2004
20 West State Street, PO Box 542, Trenton, NJ 08625-0542 Telephone: 609-292-4310 Fax: 609-292-7225 Last Updated: June 22, 2004 |